It was my privilege to lead a group of six NCU students on a seventeen day ministry trip to England and Ireland. Our team presented the Gospel message through illustrative methods to children and families in two cities. We flew into London, England and traveled by van and car to Retford, England. There we worked with Great Britain Children’s Ministry Director Steve Williams doing Children’s Ministry for six days. This ministry included: four church programs, two kids club programs, five school programs, one training day, one youth service and one senior citizen program! In Retford, we did 14 programs and ministered to over 900 people.

After a day off and a little site seeing, we traveled on to Limerick, Ireland. There we worked with missionaries Brent & Lori Enget and the local Assemblies of God Church. In Limerick, our ministry included: two training programs, two church programs, four school programs and a three day outreach in the community. In Limerick, we did 11 programs and ministered to almost 1000 people.

After another day off and seeing some great sites in Ireland, our group returned to the USA with a great feeling of being used by God to minister to many people!

This trip could not have happened without the over 100 supporters that gave to help our team members raise their budget! Because of the economy and the exchange rate, many missions trips to England and Ireland are being canceled. But God helped us make this trip a reality!

Our trip was also approved as a National BGMC project. So a number of churches gave funds so we could take over $4000 in ministry equipment to leave with the churches. This included: two large costume characters, puppets and a puppet stage, set of bells, C.D’s, books and other props.

Our team members did an excellent job in presenting the gospel using the illustrative methods. After one of the school programs, the school principals said, "This was the greatest assembly program our school has ever had."

The trip far surpassed all expectations for purpose and objectives. Every team members life was changed by the experiences. The following tells about some of these experiences:

Ryan Fesser writes, "While in England, I connected with a boy named Reuben. He has a heart for God and I hope that God can use me to encourage him and possibly be a voice of guidance in his life. I have already e-mailed him a few times."

Brittany Jacobs said, "I had the opportunity to meet Anne Fitzgerald. She is one of Ireland’s most acclaimed and internationally famous artists. She prayed with me and encouraged me to continue on with my artistic talents and studies, telling me that God can make my dreams come true."

Troy King writes, "My most memorable experience was the three days we spent working with the kids at "Gary Owen." I met James, Trevor and Josh. I had the privilege of telling these kids about God’s gift of salvation. At the decision time, all three of these boys and many others stood and asked Jesus to come into their lives. It was so cool to see them say that they wanted Jesus."

Denise Malone said, "We went to help encourage Pastor Steve and his team in Retford, but I also came away feeling encouraged. Pastor Steve took the time to hear my heart for ministry to kids and families."

Sadie Smith writes, "One of my most significant experiences was meeting a lady by the name of Sharon. She came to the "Gary Owen" outreach on the second day and came up and talked with me after the program. She expressed her interest in preaching to children and I had prayer with her. I was able to encourage her to help with the ministry there at "Gary Owen."

Brittany Thiemke said, "I enjoyed the time talking with the family I stayed with in Retford. Chris and Rachel were absolutely fantastic. They genuinely cared about me. I really believe both Chris and Rachel were ministered to. I know for certain that I was, through them and their consistent kindness.

Church Programs - 6

Training Workshops - 3

Youth Service - 1

Senior Citizens - 1

School Programs - 9

Club/Outreach - 5

Total Programs - 24

Total Attendance all programs - 1908

Salvation Decisions: 48

Dan & Nancy Rector (Team Leaders)

Ryan Fesser

Brittany Jacobs

Troy King

Denise Malone

Sadie Smith

Brittany Thiemke